I haven't heard anything different from what I reported last time which is that they are just pushing it back to coincide with a Rev. 2 release of the HC controllers, not that it's getting killed. We will have to wait and see though.

Anyone tried the new iPhone release from April? Its not showing Irrigation or Messaging for me (but I am still on HomeLogic, not g).

Apparently I would have to rebuild every single last screen to do the upgrade, at least 40 hours of work. Can't spend the $$ on the upgrade and then the time rebuilding every last page/event map, etc. I wonder if anyone has tried an import/export from HL to g to see if anything comes over.

It seems Elan team work very slowly and can not keep the word.
It is very disappointing.

I know it can be frustrating at times, trust me, no one knows this more than dealers such as myself. That being said, Elan has finally started working with a third party programming group who will do nothing but right drivers for them. This will allow Elan to focus solely on feature sets while this other group of programmers does nothing but bang out new/updated drivers. Start expecting new driver releases every month starting in May, compared to every 3-4 months when Elan was doing it all.

Anyone tried the new iPhone release from April? Its not showing Irrigation or Messaging for me (but I am still on HomeLogic, not g).

Apparently I would have to rebuild every single last screen to do the upgrade, at least 40 hours of work. Can't spend the $$ on the upgrade and then the time rebuilding every last page/event map, etc. I wonder if anyone has tried an import/export from HL to g to see if anything comes over.

In order to get any of the new features of the new iOS app, you would have to update your system to the latest Elan software (5.5.126). Unfortunately for you, its not even as easy as just updating your HomeBrick and reprogramming. HomeBricks can only ever be updated to 5.0, due to hardware limitations. You would have to upgrade your HomeBrick to an HC controller to get any of the updated features beyond 5.0.

And the answer to your last question is no, you cannot import a HomeLogic configuration into a g! system, as I've verified on an old HomeBrick in the past.

Sorry for the late response, although there is not a lot of Elan news on the hardware front, lots of cool stuff on the software side. The new 6.0 software will be chock full of new features and capabilities such as:
1) Android compatibility (finally)
2) A full blown door locks interface that not only allows for lock/unlock and status, but also full account management, real time battery status, and a history view that will show time of entry and who's pass code was used. Also the ability to setup temp passcodes for maids, delivery men, etc. All directly from the Elan interface.
3) Full blown integration of the Logitech Squeezebox platform. This is huge as Elan has only given access to Pandora and Rhapsody from Squeezebox in the past. Now you get full access to ALL that Squeezebox has to offer (i.e. Spotify, MOG, iTunes integration, etc.). This also includes integrating with the new Fusion Ovation music server that is based on the Squeezebox platform.
4) A new "programming platform" that will make it much easier and efficient to program interfaces across all devices (mostly beneficial to dealers/programmers)

I would like to stream movies off a server to my g! System/HDTV. Is there an easy solution?

I believe you can do that using xbmc and a jailbroken device such as apple TV or Xbox. I am currently using a jail broken apple tv with no issues. I use an HDMI matrix switch to my TV's and the apple TV runs through that. Elan only controls the TV functions not the content.

I feel the need to share a very bad user experience with Elan out to the world.

For 12 months one of their installers has struggled to get basic functionality working with Elan. Is it my installer or the equipment? I don't know but I would never use this stuff again and I would encourage other to purchase anything but Elan.

Here are the troubles we still have after 12 months:

1) Took 10 months just to get basic load control of lights. But, we still have lights that don't always turn on or off. We have switches that have the switch lights on all the time and sometimes don't go off. Because of our trouble just getting this equipment to function, we have never even done scenes.

2) We still cannot get a picture to one TV.

3) We have feedback in our master bedroom speakers. So much so, that we don't use the TV of music there. We also can't navigate the DirecTV guide because each push gets translated to two, meaning if we push channel up it goes up two. Try navigating the DVR list and playing something with those kind of controls. Too frustrating to use.

4) The FM signal from the Elan tuner makes the speakers sound like they are shot. If we source from an Ipod, it sounds OK. So, we know it is the Elan tuner. That tuner also turns on even when we don't use it as a source.

5) We have a son that has just headed to college. So, we wanted to be able to turn his access/control on and off. Four months later, we still don't have it.

6) Once in a while we have a glitch. Because we have to go through the dealer to fix, we loose that function for days. As a user, not being able to fix, adjust, or change the small stuff is just not acceptable. It is costly and takes weeks before anything is done. There is NO customer support. Everything must go through authorized dealers. What a disappointment.

I think there is more but I am tired of typing all this stuff. Suffice to say, I would never use Elan again. I may even have it ripped out (seriously...just sent emails to dealers of other equipment last night). I trust that will cost a fortune but getting something that works for the next 20 years is important to me.

To anyone considering using a whole home control system, don't believe Elan dealers that is as good as others and less expensive. From my experience, the equipment and the dealers are very very poor. It is the worst decision I made on the remodel of my home. It is the only one I regret as I have patiently waited for six months while it is supposedly being fixed. But it isn't.

After the hardware is installed setting up basic light control is at most a few days work. Refining it would take additional time but 10 months is insane.

Regards no picture to TV: Not directly an Elan issue but an installation issue. Need more information as to what equipment is being used and how the equipment is installed.

Regards the feedback: Need more information. Cannot imagine how this happening. Perhaps the intercom feature is enabled?

The DirectTV issue is likely because the IR coding is wrong. The symptom indicates it is. A few IR controlled devices require special attention to the IR coding, it is not difficult, it just needs to be done. Perhaps the dealer/installer does not know this.

The Elan hardware is good quality. You might have a defective tuner but that is a simple swap.

Controlling remote access is a simple problem.

Do Elan a favor and write a calm and reasoned letter to the home office. They will want to know that one of their dealer/installers is seemingly incompetent. Any company that depends on dealer/installers will likely have a number of duds signed up and they need to be weeded out.

If you are anywhere near SW Virginia perhaps my guys could come and fix your setup.

And yes, it is insane! But I don't think it is just the dealer anymore.

I have written and talked with Elan. They apparently did some programming after we fired the first guy but that was several months ago. With things still not working, I have lost faith in them and felt the need to share this publicly.

I do appreciate and understand this stuff can get complicated (as I am in the software business). But, I have spent a ton of money now and given everyone involved time to solve the issues. My installer/dealer isn't getting the job done nor is Elan. I feel I got taken by both parties and Elan equipment simply does not work well. In the end, I am the one responsible and am left holding the bag.

It is too bad Elan doesn't have a place for user feedback. Good companies want feedback so they can make their products better. Based on my experience, Elan is not in that class and others should know that before buying.

I have had some equipment failures in the past when lighting struck our wireless dog fence and the surge got into the house wiring. I have had zero failures with the Elan branded hardware (I probably just jinxed myself).

And the system just works, day after day, month after month.

Will you accept a private message? I have a solution that may work for you based on postings.

Look at the box where your avatar image and you screen name displays. You will see a little triangle with options. One is to send a private message. You will get a notice that you have one waiting sometime after it is sent to you.